ceiling f.congress raises the debt cell what does it do. puts us more in debt. >> it allows him to borrow more money. >>reporter: half the people we talked to had no idea what the debt ceiling was. she blamed lawmakers. >> i believe honestly they make things purposely confuse to go do whatever they want. >>reporter: so if the president wants to turn up the heat on house republicans he has to make the issue clear and as bruce explains, republicans need to decide if they really want to stand their ground on this issue at the risk of economic down tivrnlt i think a lot has to do yes tea party you want to make a case is this the time to do it and right way to do it. that i think is boehner responsibility to explain that to his caucus members. my unitsing that's what he's planning to do over the next couple days. >>reporter: tea party express issued a statement saying it's completely irresponsible for the president of the united states to demagog this issue. the president will have big opportunity to speak to the nation on this if he chooses t t